Ventilation apparatus and a garment on which the ventilation apparatus can be mounted

ABSTRACT

A ventilation apparatus is mountable on a garment, such as a jacket. The ventilation apparatus includes a fan that is rotationally driven by a motor and is housed in a main body that includes intake ports and exhaust ports. The motor may be a brushless motor. In addition or in the alternative, a main body of the motor may be shorter than blades of a fan mounted on a drive shaft of the motor.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is the US national stage of International PatentApplication No. PCT/JP2017/027567 filed on Jul. 28, 2017, which claimspriority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-151607 filed on Aug. 1,2016 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-222796 filed on Nov. 15,2016.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a ventilation apparatus, which is fordelivering air to a user, and to a garment, on which the ventilationapparatus is mountable.

BACKGROUND ART

A raincoat with a ventilation apparatus for blowing air to a user isdisclosed in Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Application PublicationNo. S64-30308.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Because a user who wears such a raincoat with the known ventilationapparatus will be cooled by the air from the ventilation apparatus, itis possible to achieve a comfortable work environment. Nevertheless,there has been a demand to miniaturize the ventilation apparatus inorder to improve the work efficiency of the user.

It is therefore an object of the present teachings to provide a morerational technique with regard to a ventilation apparatus, which hasbeen made more compact, and to a garment, on which the ventilationapparatus is mountable.

In a first aspect of the present teachings, a ventilation apparatusconfigured to be mountable on a garment comprises: a motor; a fan, whichis rotationally driven by the motor; and aventilation-apparatus-main-body part, which comprises intake ports andexhaust ports and houses the motor and the fan. The motor is constitutedby a brushless motor.

In a ventilation apparatus with regard to the first aspect, ventilationis provided to the user by using the brushless motor to rotationallydrive the fan. By using a brushless motor, which is compact andhigh-output, overall miniaturization can be achieved while also ensuringa suitable ventilation performance of the ventilation apparatus.

The ventilation apparatus can further comprise an operation part (e.g.,an operation panel and/or handheld controller), which enables the userto manually input changes in airflow by generating signals that areoutput to a controller (central processing unit), which controls therotational speed, etc. of the brushless motor based on the signals fromthe operation part. The operation part may comprise one or more buttonsor rotary knobs that can be disposed on a main body of the operationpart, which has been configured (manufactured) independently of theventilation apparatus. It is noted that the brushless motor and theoperation part are electrically connected to a battery.

The controller (central processing unit) can be disposed in the mainbody of the ventilation apparatus or in the main body of the operationpart. Furthermore, the controller can be provided on an electrical cablefor electrically connecting the brushless motor, the operation part, andthe battery. It is noted that the controller can be constituted by acentral processing unit; furthermore, by using signals generated byfunctional circuit parts, it is possible to control the rotational speedof the brushless motor and thereby provide additional functions to theventilation apparatus. It is noted that the ventilation apparatus can beconfigured such that it can use a battery that the user already owns foruse with other types of electric power tools.

In addition, in a second aspect of the present teachings, a ventilationapparatus configured to be mountable on a garment comprises: a motor; afan, which is rotationally driven by the motor; and aventilation-apparatus-main-body, which comprises intake ports andexhaust ports and houses the motor and the fan. The motor comprises amotor-main-body, which has a stator and a rotor, and a drive shaft. Thefan comprises a fan-main-body, which is mounted on the drive shaft, andblades. The motor-main-body is configured to be shorter than the bladesin an output-shaft direction of the drive shaft.

According to this configuration, because the motor-main-body can fitwithin (is shorter than) the length of the blade in the output-shaftdirection of the drive shaft, it is possible to prevent lengthening ofthe dimension of the ventilation apparatus in the output-shaft directionof the drive shaft.

In particular, if the motor is a compact and high-output brushlessmotor, then the motor-main-body and the fan-main-body can be shortenedin the output-shaft direction of the drive shaft, and it becomespossible to shorten the ventilation apparatus overall commensurately.

In addition, in yet another aspect of the present teachings, theventilation apparatus can comprise a temperature sensor and atemperature-information-based control part configured to control therotational speed of the motor based on temperature information from thetemperature sensor.

According to this configuration, it is possible, for example, toincrease the rotational speed of the motor when the temperature is highand to decrease the rotational speed of the motor when the temperatureis low. That is, the ventilation apparatus can adjust the airflowautomatically in accordance with the temperature information.

For example, on the garment on which the ventilation apparatus ismounted, the temperature sensor can be mounted in an area (inner-sidearea) that faces the user side or an area (outer-side area) on theopposite side of the inner-side area.

The temperature-information-based control part can be constituted by acontroller that controls the rotation of the brushless motor.

In addition, in yet another aspect of the present teachings, theventilation apparatus can comprise: a receiver, which receivesbiological information of a user sent by a mobile computer; and abiological-information-based control part configured to control therotational speed of the motor based on the biological information fromthe receiver.

A so-called wearable computer, a smart phone, and the like can be givenas examples of specific configurations of the mobile computer. Inaddition, it is also possible to use a biological-information detectingapparatus, which has been independently configured to detect specificbiological information. Information transmission between the mobilecomputer and the receiver can be performed wirelessly or by wire.

In addition, body temperature, heart rate, perspiration rate, and thelike can be given as examples of representative biological information.

According to this configuration, the ventilation apparatus can adjustthe airflow automatically in accordance with the biological information.

In addition, in yet another aspect of the present teachings, the mainbody of the ventilation apparatus can be configured to house a filterbetween the intake ports and the exhaust ports.

According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce theaccumulation of dust in the interior of theventilation-apparatus-main-body, the blowing out of dust to the user,etc.

A paper filter, a nonwoven fabric filter, a fabric filter, and a foambody filter can be given as examples of specific configurations of thefilter. In particular, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtercan be used to increase the efficiency of the filter function. Inaddition, if a filter is used that has air permeability lower than atypical paper filter, as in a HEPA filter, then the motor is preferablyconstituted by a brushless motor.

In addition, in yet another aspect of the present teachings, theventilation apparatus can comprise a filter-condition-detecting partconfigured to detect a condition that reflects when too much dust hasaccumulated on or in the filter.

According to this configuration, for example, because it is possible todetect whether or not dust greater than a prescribed amount hasaccumulated on or in the filter, dust can be removed from the filter ina timely and efficient manner.

The filter-condition-detecting part can be configured to detect, forexample, the rotational speed of the motor and changes in theelectric-current value supplied to the motor. In this case, if anelectric-current value is detected that is higher than a threshold valuewhile the motor is being rotationally driven at a prescribed rotationalspeed, the filter-condition-detecting part can determine that dustgreater than the prescribed amount has accumulated on or in the filter.

In addition, the filter-condition-detecting part can be configured todetect the rotational speed of the motor and the airflow produced by thefan. In this case, if an airflow is detected that is lower than athreshold value while the motor is being rotationally driven at aprescribed rotational speed, then the filter-condition-detecting partcan determine that dust greater than the prescribed amount hasaccumulated on or in the filter.

The ventilation apparatus with regard to this aspect can furthercomprise a notifying part that generates and outputs a notificationconcerning the condition of the filter based on information from thefilter-condition-detecting part. The notifying part can be configured totransmit, to the user, for example, visual information using alight-emitting device, audio information using a buzzer, or the like.

In addition, in yet another aspect of the present teachings, theventilation apparatus can comprise a dust-removing part configured toremove, from the filter, dust that has accumulated on or in the filter.

According to this configuration, because a dust-removing part removesdust that has accumulated on the filter, the replacement frequency ofthe filter can be reduced. Consequently, it becomes possible to providethe user with a ventilation apparatus that excels economically.

The dust-removing part can comprise, for example, amotor-reverse-rotation part that causes the motor to rotate in itsreverse direction, thereby generating an airflow in the oppositedirection. According to this configuration, it becomes possible togenerate an airflow in the direction that removes dust from the filter.

In addition or in the alternative, the dust-removing part can beconfigured, for example, by disposing an elastic member on the innerside of the filter. According to this configuration, when the motor isbeing driven to supply ventilation to the user, the filter sticks to theelastic member owing to the airflow in the normal direction, and theelastic member is compressed inward. On the other hand, when the rotarydrive of the motor stops, the filter is abruptly moved outwardly by theelastic member restoring to its original state. Owing to the vibration(shaking) of the filter that occurs at this time, dust can be ejectedfrom the filter.

In addition, in yet another aspect of the present teachings, theventilation apparatus can comprise a Peltier element.

According to this configuration, the ventilation apparatus can deliver(supply) air that has been cooled by the Peltier element or air that hasbeen heated by the Peltier element.

In addition, in yet another aspect of the present teachings, theventilation apparatus can comprise a battery for driving the motor.

It is noted that the battery is preferably a battery that is configuredto be mounted on a plurality of power tools. In this case, it ispossible that a battery for power tools already owned by the user can beused in the ventilation apparatus. That is, because the user need notpurchase a new battery for the ventilation apparatus, this embodiment isparticularly economical.

In addition, in yet another aspect of the present teachings, the intakeports can comprise a first intake port that opens in the output-shaftdirection of the drive shaft and a second intake port that opens in adirection that intersects the drive shaft. According to thisconfiguration, the ventilation apparatus can efficiently aspirate airvia the two intake ports that open in different directions.

In addition, as an aspect of the garment with regard to the presentteachings, it can be configured such that the ventilation apparatus ismountable thereon.

According to this configuration, because the user need only put on thegarment to use the ventilation apparatus, the ergonomics of theventilation apparatus can be improved. A jacket, which is worn on theoutermost-surface side of the upper body of the user, pants worn on thelower half of body, and overalls, in which the jacket and pants areintegrated, can be given as examples of specific garments according tothe present teachings. With regard to the jacket, it may have sleeves orno sleeves.

The garment can have an opening for inserting the ventilation apparatustherethrough. In addition, it is possible to provide an attachment partfor connecting the garment and the ventilation apparatus to one another.

In addition, the garment can have: an inner-side area, which facestoward the user side when the garment is worn by the user; an interiorpart, which constitutes at least part of the inner-side area; anouter-side area, which is located on the side opposite that of theinner-side area; an exterior part, which constitutes at least part ofthe outer-side area; an internal-space part, which is provided betweenthe interior part and the exterior part; and at least one ventilationopening, which is (are) provided in the internal-space part. Theventilation opening(s) can be configured to face the neck and/or armpitsof the user.

According to this configuration, it becomes possible to deliver (supply)the air from the ventilation apparatus to the user by way of theinternal-space part and via the ventilation opening.

The present teachings provide rational techniques for making aventilation apparatus more compact and for designing a garment, on whichthe ventilation apparatus is mountable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram that shows an overview of a ventilationapparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the ventilation apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the ventilation apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the ventilation apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the ventilation apparatus.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram that shows the configuration of a fan.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view that shows an overview of a garment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram that shows a control system of a motor.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view that shows an overview of the garment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram that shows the configuration of aninner-side area.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram that shows the garment, on which theventilation apparatus has been mounted.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram that shows the control system of the motor ofthe ventilation apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram that shows the control system of the motor ofthe ventilation apparatus according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram that shows the configuration of theventilation apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram that shows the configuration of theventilation apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram that shows the control system of the motor ofthe ventilation apparatus according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram that shows the configuration of theventilation apparatus according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram that shows the configuration of theventilation apparatus according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram that shows the control system of the motor ofthe ventilation apparatus according to a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram that shows the control system of the motor ofthe ventilation apparatus according to a tenth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram that shows the configuration of theventilation apparatus according to an eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram that shows the configuration of theoperation part of the ventilation apparatus according to a twelfthembodiment.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram that shows the configuration of theoperation part of the ventilation apparatus according to a thirteenthembodiment mounted on a jacket.

FIG. 24 is a rear oblique view of the ventilation apparatus according toa fourteenth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a side view of the ventilation apparatus.

FIG. 26 is a rear view of the ventilation apparatus.

FIG. 27 is a front view of the ventilation apparatus.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram that shows a garment with regard to amodified example on which two ventilation apparatuses have been mounted.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

The following explains, based on FIG. 1 to FIG. 23, a first embodimentto a thirteenth embodiment, according to the present teachings, of aventilation apparatus and a garment, on which the ventilation apparatusis mounted. FIG. 24 to FIG. 28 are explanatory diagrams of a fourteenthembodiment.

Structural elements, components, and the like of the second embodimentto the fourteenth embodiment having structures, functions, and the likethat are identical or similar to the structural elements, components,and the like explained in the first embodiment are assigned the samesymbols, and explanations thereof may be omitted.

First Embodiment

A ventilation apparatus 100A and a work jacket 200 according to thefirst embodiment will be explained, based on FIG. 1 to FIG. 11. Theventilation apparatus 100A is one example of a “ventilation apparatus”according to the present teachings, and the work jacket 200 is oneexample of a “garment” according to the present teachings.

Ventilation Apparatus

As shown in FIG. 1, the ventilation apparatus 100A comprises a main body110 that houses two ventilation units 120. However, it is noted that theventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 can also be configured to house morethan two ventilation units 120 and can also be configured to house asingle ventilation unit 120. The main body 110 is one example of a“ventilation-apparatus-main-body” according to the present teachings. Asshown in FIG. 5, each of the ventilation units 120 comprises a drivemotor 121 and a fan 124. The drive motor 121 is one example of a “motor”according to the present teachings, and the fan 124 is one example of a“fan” according to the present teachings.

As shown in FIG. 5, the drive motor 121 comprises a drive shaft 123. Thedirection parallel to an output shaft of the drive shaft 123 defines anoutput-shaft direction 123A. The direction orthogonal to theoutput-shaft direction 123A defines an output-shaft orthogonal direction123B.

The output-shaft direction 123A is disposed in a front-rear direction ofa user in embodiments in which the ventilation apparatus 100A is mountedon the work jacket 200 while the work jacket 200 is being worn by theuser (refer to FIGS. 7 and 9). The output-shaft direction 123A is oneexample of an “output-shaft direction of a drive shaft” according to thepresent teachings.

As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 110 comprises a first main-body part111 and a second main-body part 112. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3,intake ports 111A are provided on the first main-body part 111. As shownin FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, exhaust ports 112A are provided on the secondmain-body part 112. The intake ports 111A are one example of “intakeports” according to the present teachings, and the exhaust ports 112Aare one example of “exhaust ports” according to the present teachings.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the intake ports 111A are provided in theoutput-shaft orthogonal direction 123B of the first main-body part 111.The exhaust ports 112A are provided in the output-shaft direction 123Aof the second main-body part 112. According to this configuration, evenif the user leans against a wall and thereby the main body 110 makescontact with that wall, the main body 110 can efficiently take in airvia the intake ports 111A and deliver (output) that air via the exhaustports 112A.

It is noted that, as shown in FIG. 2, an electrical cable 130 forsupplying electric current and drive signals to the drive motor 121extends from the main body 110. The electrical cable 130 is electricallyconnected with an operation part (handheld, manual controller) 140(refer to FIG. 7).

The drive motor 121 shown in FIG. 5 is a brushless motor. Consequently,by making the drive motor 121 compact and high output, the main body 110of the ventilation apparatus 100 can be made compact overall whileensuring suitable ventilation performance of the ventilation apparatus100A. Furthermore, the durability of the drive motor 121 can beimproved, and it becomes easy to steplessly change the rotational speed.

The drive motor 121 comprises a main body 122 and a drive shaft 123. Themain body 122 of the drive motor 121 is one example of a“motor-main-body” according to the present teachings, and the driveshaft 123 is one example of a “drive shaft” according to the presentteachings.

Although not illustrated for the sake of convenience, the main body 122comprises a stator and a rotor. In addition, the drive motor 121comprises switching elements, such as FETs, that are disposed adjacentto the main body 122. The switching elements are controlled by a centralprocessing unit 142, which is described below.

As shown in FIG. 5, the fan 124 comprises a main body 125, which ismounted on the drive shaft 123, and blades 126. The main body 125 of thefan 124 is one example of a “fan-main-body” according to the presentteachings, and the blades 126 are one example of “blades” according tothe present teachings. A plurality of the blades 126 is provided on thefan-main-body 125.

As shown in FIG. 6, each blade 126 is provided such that it extends in adirection that intersects the output-shaft direction 123A. In addition,as shown in FIG. 1, a first end 126A and a second end 126B are providedon opposite outer edges of each of the blades 126.

As shown in FIG. 6, the main body 122 of the drive motor 121 isconfigured to be shorter than the blades 126 in the output-shaftdirection 123A. This configuration will now be explained in furtherdetail, based on FIG. 6. That is, an intersection point of a lineextending from the first end 126A of the blade 126 in the output-shaftorthogonal direction 123B and a line extending in the output-shaftdirection 123A is taken as a first end location 126A1 of the blade 126.On the other side, an intersection point of a line extending from thesecond end 126B of the blade 126 in the output-shaft orthogonaldirection 123B and a line extending in the output-shaft direction 123Ais taken as a second end location 126B1 of the blade 126. The distancebetween the first end location 126A1 and the second end location 126B1defines a first distance 126L, i.e. the length of the blade 126 in theoutput-shaft direction 123A.

In addition, an intersection point of a line extending from a first end122A of the drive-motor-main-body 122 in the output-shaft orthogonaldirection 123B and a line extending in the output-shaft direction 123Ais taken as a first end location 122A1 of the motor main body 122. Onthe other side, an intersection point of a line extending from a secondend 122B of the drive-motor-main-body 122 in the output-shaft orthogonaldirection 123B and a line extending in the output-shaft direction 123Ais taken as a second end location 122B1 of the motor main body 122. Thedistance between the first end location 122A1 and the second endlocation 122B1 defines a second distance 122L, i.e. the length of themain body 122 of the drive motor 121 in the output-shaft direction 123A.It is noted that the first end 122A and the second end 122B are definedby edges of the main body 122 that are spaced farthest apart in theoutput-shaft direction 123A of the drive motor 121.

Because the second distance 122L is shorter than the first distance126L, it is possible to shorten the ventilation apparatus 100A in theoutput-shaft direction 123A.

The operation part (manual controller) 140, which the user presses toinput instructions to control the drive motor 121, is shown in FIG. 7.The operation part 140 comprises operation buttons 141A, which aredisposed on a main body 141 of the operation part 140 and are manuallyoperated (pressed) by the user. As shown in FIG. 8, signals generated bypressing the operation buttons 141A are input to the central processingunit 142. The central processing unit 142 is configured to drive thedrive motor 121 in accordance with the user's instructions that areinput by pressing the operation buttons 141A. It is noted that thecentral processing unit 142 can be constituted by a microcomputer. Asshown in FIG. 7, the main body 141 of the operation part 140 isconfigured (manufactured) separately from theventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 and a battery-receiving part 170(refer to FIG. 9). Although not illustrated for the sake of convenience,the main body 141 may comprise a clip for fixing (attaching) the mainbody 141, e.g., to a belt of the user. It is noted that the main body141 can also be housed in a pocket, as will be explained further below,or attached to a garment other than a belt.

It is noted that the central processing unit 142 can be provided in theoperation-main-body part 141, in the ventilation-apparatus-main-body110, or on the electrical cable 130 (FIG. 2 to FIG. 5).

A battery 180 for driving the drive motor 121 is shown in FIG. 9. Thebattery 180 is configured to be mountable on and detachable from thebattery-receiving part (battery mount or battery carrier) 170. Thebattery-receiving part 170 has a clip 171, which may be mounted on(attached to), e.g., the belt of the user. It is noted that, althoughnot illustrated for the sake of convenience of the explanation, anelectrical cable for transmitting electric current and drive signals tothe drive motor 121 is provided and extends from the battery-receivingpart 170 to the operation part 140.

It is noted that the battery-receiving part (battery mount or batterycarrier) 170 may be configured to mount a standard power tool battery180 that can be used with other power tools or work jackets having aheating function. As a result, the user can economically utilize theventilation apparatus 100A, because it is not necessary to purchase adedicated power supply.

As shown in FIG. 9, the main body 110 of the ventilation apparatus 110Ais mounted on the work jacket 200 such that the intake ports 111A aredisposed on the outside of the work jacket 200, and the exhaust ports112A are disposed in an internal-space part 230 (refer to FIG. 11) ofthe work jacket 200. The configuration of the internal-space part 230will be described below. As shown in FIG. 9, the main body 110 isconfigured to be mountable on and detachable from the work jacket 200using a first engaging part 110A and a second engaging part 110B. Thefirst engaging part 110A comprises a fastener. The fastener may includeone set of teeth provided around the ventilation-apparatus-main-body110, and another set of teeth provided on aventilation-apparatus-opening 212 (refer to FIG. 11) of the work jacket200; e.g., the fastener may be a zipper. The second engaging part 110Bcomprises a strap, which extends from theventilation-apparatus-main-body 110, and a snap, which engages such thatit is mountable on and detachable from a prescribed area of the workjacket 200. The ventilation apparatus 100A and the work jacket 200 canbe reliably engaged by the first engaging part 110A and the secondengaging part 110B.

Work Jacket

As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, an outer-side area 210 of the work jacket200 is constituted by an exterior part (exterior shell) 210A. The workjacket 200 comprises sleeves 211 for inserting the arms of the user.

The work jacket 200 has an inner-side area 220 (refer to FIG. 10), whichfaces the user when the work jacket 200 is worn by the user. In the workjacket 200, the inner-side area 220 is located on the opposite side ofthe outer-side area 210.

As shown in FIG. 9, the ventilation apparatus 100A is mounted on arear-surface side of the work jacket 200. To mount the ventilationapparatus 100A, the ventilation-apparatus-opening 212 (refer to FIG. 11)is provided on the rear-surface side of the work jacket 200.

Internal-Space Part

The inner-side area 220 of the work jacket 200 is shown in FIG. 10. Aninterior part (interior shell) 220A is provided in a prescribed area ofthe inner-side area 220. The prescribed area of the inner-side area 220includes an area that faces the back of the user. An outer-edge part ofthe interior part 220A is connected with the exterior part 210A,excepting the areas corresponding to the armpits and the neck of theuser and the one portion corresponding to the ventilation apparatus100A. Ventilation openings 231 are formed in areas not in contact withthe interior part 220A and the exterior part 210A. Fasteners 232 areprovided on (along) the ventilation openings 231 in the areascorresponding to the armpits of the user.

As shown in FIG. 11, the area (volume) surrounded by the exterior part210A and the interior part 220A constitutes the internal-space part 230.The ventilation apparatus 100A delivers air into the internal-space part230. When the temperature of the air inside the internal-space part 230rises owing to the body temperature of the user, the air inside theinternal-space part 230 can be cooled by the outside air taken in fromthe ventilation apparatus 100A. It is noted that the volume of theinternal-space part 230 expands when the air is supplied from theventilation apparatus 100A.

The air that accumulates in the internal-space part 230 flows out fromthe ventilation openings 231. As shown in FIG. 10, the ventilationopenings 231 are provided at locations corresponding to the neck, thearmpits, and the hip of the user. That is, because the ventilationopenings 231 are provided in areas at which the user tends to feel heat,the user can be efficiently cooled by the air from the ventilationopenings 231. It is noted that, by opening and closing the fasteners232, the cooling effect with respect to the armpits of the user can beadjusted.

The exterior part 210A and the interior part 220A are made from a lowair permeable fabric to inhibit leakage of the air from theinternal-space part 230 through the exterior part 210A and the interiorpart 220A. For example, the exterior part 210A can be composed ofnatural fibers, such as cotton cloth, or a fabric made ofsynthetic-resin fibers, such as nylon. In addition, the interior part220A can be composed of said fabrics or a film body made of syntheticresin. The exterior part 210A can be connected to the interior part 220Aby sewing, an adhesive, a fastener, or a hook-and-loop fastener.

Operation of the Ventilation Apparatus

As shown in FIG. 9, the ventilation apparatus 100A is mounted on thework jacket 200 using the first engaging part 110A and the secondengaging part 110B. When the ventilation apparatus 100A is mounted onthe work jacket 200, as shown in FIG. 11, the first main-body part 111is disposed on an outer side of the work jacket 200, and the secondmain-body part 112 is disposed in the internal-space part 230. As wasnoted above, because the drive motor 121 is a brushless motor in thisembodiment, the ventilation apparatus 100A can be made compact in thefront-rear direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, because the main body122 of the drive motor 121 is shorter than the blades 126 in theoutput-shaft direction 123A, the ventilation apparatus 100A can beshortened in the output-shaft direction 123A.

Because the air from the ventilation apparatus 100A flows out to theuser via the internal-space part 230, the user is cooled by that air.Thereby, the work jacket 200 can provide a more comfortable workenvironment for the user.

Second Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100B according to thesecond embodiment of the present teachings will be explained based onFIG. 12. The ventilation apparatus 100B is configured such thatadditional structures are added to, and new functions are performed by,the ventilation apparatus 100A of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, the ventilation apparatus 100B comprises atemperature sensor 143, which is one example of a “temperature sensor”according to the present teachings. The central processing unit 142 isconfigured to control the rotational speed of the drive motor 121 basedon temperature information from the temperature sensor 143. That is, thecentral processing unit 142 acts as a temperature-based control part inthis embodiment.

The temperature sensor 143 is configured (manufactured) separately fromthe ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 and is electrically connected tothe central processing unit 142. The temperature sensor 143 can bemounted on the outer-side area 210, the inner-side area 220, or theinternal-space part 230 of the work jacket 200 (refer to FIG. 7 and FIG.9 to FIG. 11).

According to this configuration, the ventilation apparatus 100B canincrease the rotational speed of the drive motor 121 when thetemperature is high and can decrease the rotational speed of the drivemotor 121 when the temperature is low. That is, the ventilationapparatus 100B can adjust the airflow automatically based on thetemperature information.

Third Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100C according to a thirdembodiment of the present teachings will be explained based on FIG. 13.The ventilation apparatus 100C is configured such that additionalstructures are added to, and new functions are performed by, theventilation apparatus 100A of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 13, the ventilation apparatus 100C comprises a receiver144, which receives biological information of the user sent by awearable computer 190. The wearable computer 190 is one example of a“mobile computer” according to the present teachings, and the receiver144 is one example of a “receiver” according to the present teachings.The central processing unit 142 is configured to control the rotationalspeed of the drive motor 121 in accordance with the biologicalinformation from the receiver 144. That is, the central processing unit142 acts as a biological-information-based control part in thisembodiment. It is noted that the receiver 144 is disposed inside theventilation-apparatus-main-body 110.

The wearable computer 190 may be configured as a smart wristwatch thatis worn on a wrist of the user, who has put on the work jacket 200. Aconfiguration is used such that the transmission of information betweenthe wearable computer 190 and the receiver 144 is performed by wirelesscommunication. In addition, among body temperature, heart rate,perspiration rate, and the like, one of or a combination of a pluralitythereof can be given as examples of the biological information. As oneexample, the perspiration rate is used as the biological information inthe ventilation apparatus 100C.

According to this configuration, the ventilation apparatus 100C canincrease the rotational speed of the drive motor 121 when theperspiration rate of the user is high and can decrease the rotationalspeed of the drive motor 121 when the perspiration rate is low. That is,the ventilation apparatus 100C can adjust the airflow automaticallybased on the biological information.

Fourth Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100D according to thefourth embodiment of the present teachings will be explained based onFIG. 14. The ventilation apparatus 100D is configured such thatadditional structures are added to, and new functions are performed by,the ventilation apparatus 100A of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 14, the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 of theventilation apparatus 100D is configured such that it can house a filter150 between the intake ports 111A and the exhaust ports 112A. The filter150 is one example of a “filter” according to the present teachings.More specifically, the filter 150 is disposed such that it covers theintake ports 111A. That is, the filter 150 is disposed in the interiorof the ventilation apparatus 100D.

A paper filter, a nonwoven fabric filter, a fabric filter, and a foambody filter can be given as examples of specific configurations of thefilter 150. In particular, a HEPA filter can be used to increase thefilter efficiency.

Because a HEPA filter is configured with low air permeability comparedwith a typical paper filter, there is a problem in ensuring a sufficientairflow output from the ventilation apparatus 100D. However, becauseeach of the drive motors 121 of the ventilation apparatus 100D is abrushless motor, the rotational speed of each drive motor 121 can beappropriately adjusted, and thereby it becomes possible for theventilation apparatus 100D to ensure a prescribed airflow, even if aHEPA filter is used.

Owing to the use of a filter 150 in this configuration, the ventilationapparatus 100D can reduce the accumulation of dust in the interior ofthe ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 and the blowing out of dusttoward the user.

Fifth Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100E according to the fifthembodiment of the present teachings will be explained based on FIG. 15.With regard to the ventilation apparatus 100E, the arrangement and shapeof the filter 150 relative to the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110differs as compared to the ventilation apparatus 100D of the fourthembodiment.

As shown in FIG. 15, the filter 150 is mounted on the exterior of theventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 of the ventilation apparatus 100E.More specifically, the filter 150 is mounted on the first main-body part111 such that the filter 150 covers the intake ports 111A. The filter150 is formed in a bag shape having an opening; an elastic member, madeof rubber or the like, is disposed along an opening-edge part. Thus, thefilter 150 can be fixed to the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 bythe contractive force of the elastic member.

Similar to the preceding embodiment, owing to the use of a filter 150 inthis configuration, the ventilation apparatus 100E can reduce theaccumulation of dust in the interior of theventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 and the blowing out of dust to theuser.

Sixth Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100F according to the sixthembodiment of the present teachings will be explained based on FIG. 16.The ventilation apparatus 100F is configured such that additionalstructures are added to, and new functions are performed by, theventilation apparatus 100D of the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 16, the ventilation apparatus 100F comprises anelectric-current detecting part 145 and a display 146. Theelectric-current detecting part 145 is one example of a“filter-condition-detecting part” according to the present teachings.The electric-current detecting part 145 is configured to detect themagnitude of the electric current supplied to the drive motor 121. Inaddition, the display 146 is constituted by an LED, which is disposed onthe main body 141 of the operation part 140 (refer to FIG. 7).

The central processing unit 142 detects the rotational speed of thedrive motor 121 and information from the electric-current detecting part145. Furthermore, the central processing unit 142 is configured suchthat, if the electric-current value supplied to the drive motor 121 at aprescribed rotational speed of the drive motor 121 exceeds a thresholdvalue, then it is determined that dust exceeding a prescribed amount hasaccumulated on the filter 150, and the LED of the display 146 is turnedON.

According to this configuration, because the ventilation apparatus 100Fcan display, using the display 146, a notification that dust greaterthan the prescribed amount has accumulated on or in the filter 150, itbecomes possible for the user to easily ascertain the appropriate timeto replace the filter 150.

Seventh Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100G according to theseventh embodiment of the present teachings will be explained based onFIG. 17. The ventilation apparatus 100G is configured such thatadditional structures are added to, and new functions are performed by,the ventilation apparatus 100D of the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 17, the ventilation apparatus 100G comprises adust-removing part configured to remove, from the filter 150, dust thathas accumulated on the filter 150. The dust-removing part comprises anelastic member 151, which is disposed on an inner side of the filter150. The elastic member 151 is one example of a “dust-removing part”according to the present teachings. The elastic member 151 is formed ofan air-permeable foam body and is disposed between the filter 150 and anelastic-member fixing rib (not shown).

According to this configuration, when the drive motors 121 are drivenand the ventilation apparatus 100G is suctioning air, the filter 150sticks to the elastic member 151 owing to the airflow. Therefore, theelastic member 151 is compressed toward the interior. On the other hand,when the rotary drive of the drive motors 121 stops, the elastic member151 restores to its original state, and thereby the filter 150 isabruptly moved outwardly. Owing to vibration (shaking) of the filter 150generated at this time, dust is removed from the filter 150.

That is, the ventilation apparatus 100G makes it possible toautomatically remove dust from the filter 150 when the drive motors 121are stopped. Because the replacement frequency of the filter 150 can bereduced, the ventilation apparatus 100G can be used in an economicalmanner.

Eighth Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100H according to theeighth embodiment of the present teachings will be explained based onFIG. 18. The ventilation apparatus 100H is configured such thatadditional structures are added to, and new functions are performed by,the ventilation apparatus 100E of the fifth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 18, the ventilation apparatus 100H comprises thedust-removing part, which is configured to remove, from the filter 150,dust that has accumulated on the filter 150. The dust-removing partcomprises the elastic member 151, which is disposed on the inner side ofthe filter 150. The elastic member 151 is one example of a“dust-removing part” according to the present teachings. The elasticmember 151 is formed of an air-permeable foam body and is disposedbetween the filter 150 and the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110.

According to this configuration, when the drive motors 121 are drivenand the ventilation apparatus 100G is suctioning air, the filter 150sticks to the elastic member 151 owing the airflow. Therefore, theelastic member 151 is compressed toward the interior. On the other hand,when the rotary drive of the drive motors 121 stops, the elastic member151 restores to its original state, and thereby the filter 150 isabruptly moved outwardly. Owing to the vibration (shaking) of the filter150 generated at this time, the dust is removed from the filter 150.

That is, the ventilation apparatus 100H also makes it possible toautomatically remove dust from the filter 150 when the drive motors 121are stopped. Because the replacement frequency of the filter 150 can bereduced in this embodiment as well, the ventilation apparatus 100H canbe used in an economical manner.

Ninth Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100I according to the ninthembodiment of the present teachings will be explained based on FIG. 19.The ventilation apparatus 100I is configured such that additionalstructures are added to, and new functions are performed by, theventilation apparatus 100F of the sixth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 19, the ventilation apparatus 100I comprises thefilter-condition-detecting part, which is constituted by theelectric-current detecting part 145.

Similar to the sixth embodiment, the central processing unit 142 detectsthe rotational speed of the drive motor 121 and information from theelectric-current detecting part 145. Furthermore, the central processingunit 142 is configured such that, when the electric-current valuesupplied to the drive motor 121 at the prescribed rotational speed ofthe drive motor 121 exceeds the threshold value, it is determined thatdust exceeding the prescribed amount has accumulated on the filter 150.However, in this embodiment, when the prescribed dust threshold isexceeded, the drive motor(s) 121 is (are) caused to rotate in reverse.

According to this configuration, when it is determined that dust greaterthan the prescribed amount has accumulated on or in the filter 150 ofthe ventilation apparatus 100I, the drive motor(s) 121 is (are) causedto rotate in reverse, and thereby air is caused to flow out in adirection that removes dust from the filter 150.

That is, the ventilation apparatus 100I also makes it possible toautomatically remove dust from the filter 150 when dust greater than theprescribed amount has accumulated on the filter 150. Because thereplacement frequency of the filter 150 can be reduced, the ventilationapparatus 100I can be used in an economical manner.

Tenth Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100J according to the tenthembodiment of the present teachings will be explained based on FIG. 20.The ventilation apparatus 100J is configured such that additionalstructures are added to, and new functions are performed by, theventilation apparatus 100D of the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 20, the ventilation apparatus 100J comprises adust-removing part, which is configured to remove, from the filter 150,dust that has accumulated on or in the filter 150. In this embodiment,the dust-removing part comprises a reverse-operation part 141B forcausing the drive motor 121 to rotate in reverse. The reverse-operationpart 141B may include a button, which is disposed on the main body 141of the operation part 140 (refer to FIG. 7). The central processing unit142 controls the drive motor 121, in response to manipulation (e.g.,pressing) of the reverse-operation part 141B by the user, so as to causethe drive motor 121 to rotate in reverse.

According to this configuration, when the user determines that too muchdust has accumulated on or in the filter 150 (e.g., because the airflowoutput from the ventilation apparatus 100J has decreased), the user canoperate (press) the reverse-operation part 141B. By manipulating(pressing) the reverse-operation part 141B, the rotational direction ofthe drive motor(s) 121 is reversed and air is caused to flow out in thedirection that removes dust from the filter 150.

That is, the ventilation apparatus 100J makes it possible toautomatically remove dust from the filter 150 by manipulating thereverse-operation part 141B. Because the replacement frequency of thefilter 150 can be reduced in this embodiment as well, the ventilationapparatus 100J can be used in an economical manner.

Eleventh Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100K according to theeleventh embodiment of the present teachings will be explained based onFIG. 21. The ventilation apparatus 100K is configured such that newstructures are added to, and new functions are performed by, theventilation apparatus 100A of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21,the ventilation apparatus 100K comprises a Peltier element 160. ThePeltier element 160 is one example of a “Peltier element” according tothe present teachings.

The Peltier element 160 is disposed between the two ventilation units120 and is operated (powered) by the battery 180 (refer to FIG. 9). Ifthe ventilation apparatus 100K is configured to blow air cooled by thePeltier element 160, then a heat-absorbing surface (cooling surface) ofthe Peltier element 160 is facing the fan 124. On the other hand, if theventilation apparatus 100K is configured to blow air heated by thePeltier element 160, then a heat-generating surface of the Peltierelement 160 is facing the fan 124.

According to this configuration, the ventilation apparatus 100K can blowout air, the temperature of which has been adjusted (increased ordecreased) by the Peltier element 160.

Twelfth Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100L according to thetwelfth embodiment of the present teachings will be explained based onFIG. 22. With regard to the ventilation apparatus 100L, theconfiguration of the operation part 140 differs as compared to theventilation apparatus 100A of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 22, the operation part 140 of the ventilation apparatus100L is provided on the battery-receiving part 170. In this embodiment,the central processing unit 142 also can be housed in thebattery-receiving part 170.

According to this configuration, because it is no longer necessary toseparately provide the main body 141 of the operation part 140 that isconnected via an electrical cable to the ventilation apparatus 100L, thepart count can be reduced and usability can be improved for the user.

Thirteenth Embodiment

The configuration of a ventilation apparatus 100M according to thethirteenth embodiment of the present teachings will be explained basedon FIG. 23. With regard to the ventilation apparatus 100M, theconfiguration of the operation part 140 differs as compared to theventilation apparatus 100A of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 23, the operation part 140 of the ventilation apparatus100M is provided on the work jacket 200. That is, the main body 141 ofthe operation part 140 is mounted on (attached to) the work jacket 200.In this embodiment, the central processing unit 142 can be housed in themain body 141.

According to this configuration, because the operation part 140 can beprovided on the ventilation apparatus 100M at a location at which theuser can easily check the operation part 140, usability can be improvedfor the user.

Fourteenth Embodiment

A ventilation apparatus 100N according to the fourteenth embodiment ofthe present teachings will be explained based on FIG. 24 to FIG. 28. Itis noted that, because most of the structures of the ventilationapparatus 100N are the same as that of the ventilation apparatus 100A ofthe first embodiment, the following mainly explains the structures ofthe ventilation apparatus 100N that differ from the ventilationapparatus 100A.

As shown in FIG. 28, the ventilation apparatus 100N comprises the mainbody 110 and two of the ventilation units 120, which are housed in themain body 110.

As shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, the main body 110, the same as in thefirst embodiment, is formed as a substantially elliptical-box-shapedhousing overall and comprises the first main-body part 111 and thesecond main-body part 112, which is mounted on the first main-body part111 such that it can be mounted and detached in the output-shaftdirection 123A. While intake ports 111E, which are for drawing air fromthe exterior into the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110, are providedon the first main-body part 111, exhaust ports 112A, which are forexhausting air from the ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 to theexterior, are provided on the second main-body part 112. In other words,the intake ports 111E are provided on one side of the main body 110 inthe output-shaft direction 123A and the exhaust ports 112A are providedon the other side of the main body 110.

Unlike the first embodiment, however, each of the intake ports 111E ofthe present embodiment comprises a first intake port 111F, which is openin the output-shaft direction 123A, and a second intake port 111G whichis open in a direction that intersects the drive shaft 123 (in thepresent embodiment, the output-shaft orthogonal direction 123B). Ingreater detail, as shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 28, the first intake ports111F and the second intake ports 111G are provided in a first wall 111Cand a second wall 111D, respectively, of the first main-body part 111.

The first wall 111C is a portion of the first main-body part 111 that isdisposed such that it is substantially orthogonal to the drive shafts123 (in other words, such that it extends substantially in theoutput-shaft orthogonal direction 123B). It is noted that, when the workjacket 200 (refer to FIG. 9) on which the ventilation apparatus 100N ismounted is worn by the user, the first wall part 111C is disposedrearward of the user's back on an outer part of the exterior part 210Aand is the portion opposing the back. As shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 26,the first intake ports 111F include a plurality of through holes formedin the first wall 111C in two circular areas opposing the fans 124.These through holes, i.e. the first intake ports 111F, are open in theoutput-shaft direction 123A (in greater detail, in the oppositedirection of the second main-body part 112 in the output-shaft direction123A (in the opposite direction of the user's back)). Air passagewaysthat pass through the first intake ports 111F extend in the output-shaftdirection 123A. It is noted that the through holes that constitute thefirst intake ports 111F should be open in the output-shaft direction123A, and their number, arrangement, locations, and the like are notlimited to the illustrated example.

As shown in FIG. 24, FIG. 25, and FIG. 28, the second wall 111D is acircumferential-wall that extends from an outer circumference of thefirst wall 111C toward the second main-body part 112 in the output-shaftdirection 123A. It is noted that, when the work jacket 200 (refer toFIG. 9) on which the ventilation apparatus 100N is mounted is worn bythe user, the second wall 111D is the portion that protrudes rearwardfrom the user's back on an outer part of the exterior part 210A. Each ofthe second intake ports 111G includes a plurality of through holesformed in the second wall 111D. These through holes, i.e. the secondintake ports 111G, are open (substantially parallel to the user's back)in a direction that intersects the drive shafts 123 (in the presentembodiment, in the output-shaft orthogonal direction 123B). The airpassageways that pass through the second intake ports 111G extend in thedirection that intersects the drive shafts 123. It is noted that thethrough holes that constitute the second intake ports 111G should beopen in the direction that intersects the drive shafts 123, and theirnumber, arrangement, locations, and the like are not limited to theillustrated example.

On the other hand, the exhaust ports 112A, which are configured the sameas in the first embodiment, are provided in the second main-body part112. In greater detail, as shown in FIG. 25, FIG. 27, and FIG. 28, thesecond main-body part 112 is formed as circular-dome shapes, whichprotrude in the output-shaft direction 123A away from the firstmain-body part 111, and comprises two ventilation-unit-housing parts112B, which respectively house the ventilation units 120 in theinteriors thereof. The exhaust ports 112A include a plurality of throughholes formed in the ventilation-unit-housing parts 112B. These throughholes, i.e. the exhaust ports 112A, are open in the output-shaftdirection 123A (in detail, in the opposite direction of the firstmain-body part 111 in the output-shaft direction 123A (in the directionof the user's back)). In the present embodiment, these through holes arealso open in the direction that intersects the drive shafts 123. It isnoted that the through holes that constitute the exhaust ports 112Ashould be open at least in the output-shaft direction 123A, and theirnumber, arrangement, locations, and the like are not limited to theillustrated example.

As shown in FIG. 28, each of the ventilation units 120 comprises thedrive motor 121 and the fan 124, the same as in the first embodiment. Inthe present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the length of eachmain body 122 of the drive motors 121 in the output-shaft direction 123Ais substantially the same as the length of the blades 126 of the fans124, or may be set slightly longer; however, it is shorter than atypical motor with brushes. In addition, in the present embodiment, thediameter of the fans 124 is 63 mm.

In the present embodiment, the operation part 140, which is manuallyoperated by the user, is provided on the battery-receiving part 170(refer to FIG. 22), the same as in the twelfth embodiment. In thepresent embodiment, each of the drive motors 121 is a so-calledcircuit-integrated-type brushless motor, and the central processing unit142 (refer to FIG. 8), together with a switching device, arotor-position-detecting sensor, and the like, is installed on a circuitboard (not shown) and built into each of the drive motors 121. It isnoted that, in the present embodiment, the electrical cable 130 (notshown in FIG. 24 to FIG. 28; refer to FIGS. 2-4), which extends from theventilation-apparatus-main-body 110, is electrically connected to thebattery-receiving part 170. Signals generated by manipulating theoperation part 140 provided on the battery-receiving part 170 are inputto the central processing unit 142 via the electrical cable 130.

As explained above, the intake ports 111E, each of which comprises thefirst intake port 111F open in the output-shaft direction 123A of thedrive shaft 123 and the second intake port 111G open in the directionthat intersects the drive shaft 123, are provided on the ventilationapparatus 100N of the present embodiment. Thereby, the ventilationapparatus 100N can efficiently draw in air from different directions.Therefore, as in the ventilation apparatus 100A of the first embodiment,compactness can be further achieved by reducing the thickness in theoutput-shaft direction while ensuring an aspirated airflow equivalent toembodiments in which only the intake ports 111A are open in thedirection that intersects the drive shaft 123.

In addition, by using compact, high-output brushless motors as the drivemotors 121, shortening in the output-shaft direction 123A is achievedand a reduction in the diameter of each fan 124 is also achieved. In aconventional ventilation apparatus in which a brushed motor is used, thediameter of the fan is typically 80 mm or more. On the other hand, inthe present embodiment, the diameter of each fan 124 is reduced to 63 mmwhile airflow equivalent to such a conventional ventilation apparatus isensured. Thus, the ventilation apparatus 100N of the present embodimentachieves overall compactness.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, because the operation part 140is provided on the battery-receiving part 170, it is not necessary toseparately provide the main body 141 of the operation part 140, andtherefore the part count can be reduced, and usability can be improvedfor the user. In addition, by configuring the drive motors 121 ascircuit-integrated-type brushless motors, it is not necessary to installthe central processing unit 142 on or in another component, andtherefore the part count can be reduced, and wiring can be simplified.

Ventilation apparatuses according to the present teachings are notlimited to the configurations according to the first embodiment to thefourteenth embodiment described above. For example, the configurationsdescribed in the first embodiment to the fourteenth embodiment can becombined as appropriate.

In addition, for example, as in ventilation apparatuses 100P shown inFIG. 29, a single ventilation unit 120 may be housed in each main body110. In such an embodiment, a plurality of the ventilation apparatuses100P may be mounted on the work jacket 200. It is noted that, in FIG.29, an example is illustrated in which two of the ventilationapparatuses 100P are mounted.

In addition, it is also possible to provide new configurations forproviding yet other functions. For example, it is possible to make theconfigurations such that a remaining-charge detecting part of thebattery 180 is provided, the central processing unit 142 detects theremaining charge of the battery 180, and the drive motor 121 rotates ata rotational speed in accordance with that remaining charge. Accordingto this configuration, because the drive motor(s) 121 can be driven fora long time (e.g., 8 hours), it is possible to avoid the situation inwhich ventilation is unexpectedly stopped during work.

In addition, an ion-generating apparatus can be provided inside theventilation-apparatus-main-body 110.

(Correspondence Between Structural Elements of the Present Embodimentand Structural Elements of the Present Teachings)

The correspondence relationships between the structural elements of theembodiments described above and the structural elements of the presentteachings are as follows.

The ventilation apparatuses 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100E100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L, 100M, 100N, 100P are each examples of the“ventilation apparatus” according to the present teachings. The workjacket 200 is one example of the “garment” according to the presentteachings. The ventilation-apparatus-main-body 110 is one example of the“ventilation-apparatus-main-body” according to the present teachings.The drive motor 121 is one example of the “motor” according to thepresent teachings. The fan 124 is one example of the “fan” according tothe present teachings. The intake ports 111A, 111E are one example ofthe “intake ports” according to the present teachings. The first intakeports 111F and the second intake ports 111G are one example of “firstintake ports” and “second intake ports,” respectively, according to thepresent teachings. The exhaust ports 112A are one example of the“exhaust ports” according to the present teachings. Thedrive-motor-main-body 122 is one example of the “motor-main-body”according to the present teachings. The drive shaft 123 is one exampleof the “drive shaft” according to the present teachings. Theoutput-shaft direction 123A is one example of the “output-shaftdirection of the drive shaft” according to the present teachings. Thefan-main-body 125 is one example of the “fan-main-body” according to thepresent teachings. Each blade 126 is one example of the “blade(s)”according to the present teachings. The central processing unit 142 isone example of each of the “temperature-based control part” and the“biological-information-based control part” according to the presentteachings. The temperature sensor 143 is one example of the “temperaturesensor” according to the present teachings. The wearable computer 190 isone example of the “mobile computer” according to the present teachings.The receiver 144 is one example of the “receiver” according to thepresent teachings. The filter 150 is one example of the “filter”according to the present teachings. The electric-current detecting part145 is one example of the “filter-condition-detecting part” according tothe present teachings. The display 146 is one example of a “display”according to the present teachings. The elastic member 151 and thereverse-operation part 141B are each examples of the “dust-removingpart” according to the present teachings. The Peltier element 160 is oneexample of the “Peltier element” according to the present teachings.

Considering the gist of the above-mentioned teachings, the aspects beloware configurable in relation to the ventilation apparatus according tothe present teachings. It is noted that these aspects are not only usedindependently or in combination but are also used in combination withthe inventions described in the claims.

(First Aspect)

A temperature-based control part is constituted by a central processingunit, which controls the rotational speed of a drive motor.

(Second Aspect)

A biological-information-based control part is constituted by thecentral processing unit, which controls the rotational speed of thedrive motor.

(Third Aspect)

A notifying part is provided that is configured to notify, based oninformation from the filter-condition-detecting part, the fact that dustgreater than the prescribed amount has accumulated on the filter.

EXPLANATION OF THE REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K,    100L, 100L, 100N Ventilation apparatus-   110 Main body of the ventilation apparatus-   110A First engaging part-   110B Second engaging part-   111 First main-body part-   111A, 111E Intake ports-   111C First wall-   111D Second wall-   111F First intake port-   111G Second intake port-   112 Second main-body part-   112A Exhaust port-   112B Ventilation-unit-housing part-   120 Ventilation unit-   121 Drive motor (motor)-   122 Drive-motor-main-body-   122A First end of the motor-   122A1 First end location of the motor-   122B Second end of the motor-   122B1 Second end location of the motor-   122L Second distance-   123 Drive shaft-   123A Output-shaft direction-   123B Output-shaft orthogonal direction-   124 Fan-   125 Fan-main-body-   126 Blade-   126A First end of the blade-   126A1 First end location of the blade-   126B Second end of the blade-   126B1 Second end location of the blade-   126L First distance-   130 Electrical cable-   140 Operation part-   141 Min-body of the operation part-   141A Operation button(s)-   141B Reverse-operation part-   142 Central processing unit (controller)-   143 Temperature sensor-   144 Receiver-   145 Electric-current detecting part-   146 Display-   150 Filter-   151 Elastic member-   160 Peltier element-   170 Battery-receiving part-   171 Clip-   180 Battery-   190 Wearable computer-   200 Work jacket (garment)-   210 Outer-side area-   210A Exterior part-   211 Sleeve-   212 Ventilation-apparatus-opening-   220 Inner-side area-   220A Interior part-   230 Internal-space part-   231 Ventilation opening-   232 Ventilation opening fastener

1. A ventilation apparatus configured to be mountable on a garment,comprising: a motor; a fan configured to be rotationally driven by themotor; and a housing that comprises intake ports and exhaust ports, themotor and the fan being disposed in the housing.
 2. The ventilationapparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the motor comprises a mainbody, which has a stator and a rotor, and a drive shaft; the fancomprises blades mounted on the drive shaft; and the main body isshorter than the blades in an output-shaft direction of the drive shaft.3. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: atemperature sensor; and a temperature-information-based control partconfigured to control the rotational speed of the motor based ontemperature information from the temperature sensor.
 4. The ventilationapparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a receiver configured toreceive biological information of a user sent by a mobile computer; anda biological-information-based control part configured to control therotational speed of the motor based on the biological information fromthe receiver.
 5. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 1, whereina filter is housed in the housing between the intake ports and theexhaust ports.
 6. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 5,further comprising: a filter-condition-detecting part configured todetect whether or not a threshold has been exceeded indicating that dusthas accumulated on or in the filter.
 7. The ventilation apparatusaccording to claim 5, further comprising: a dust-removing partconfigured to remove, from the filter, dust that has accumulated on orin the filter.
 8. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising: a Peltier element.
 9. The ventilation apparatusaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a battery for driving themotor.
 10. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: theintake ports comprise: a first intake port that opens in an output-shaftdirection of the drive shaft; and a second intake port that opens in adirection that intersects the drive shaft.
 11. A garment having theventilation apparatus according to claim 1 mounted thereon.
 12. Theventilation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the motor is abrushless motor.
 13. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 12,wherein a filter is either (i) housed in the housing between the intakeports and the exhaust ports or (ii) mounted on an exterior side of theintake ports.
 14. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 13,further comprising: a filter-condition-detecting part configured todetect whether or not a threshold has been exceeded indicating that dusthas accumulated on or in the filter.
 15. The ventilation apparatusaccording to claim 14, further comprising: means for removing, from thefilter, dust that has accumulated on or in the filter.
 16. Theventilation apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: aPeltier element in an airflow path between the inlet ports and theexhaust ports; and a rechargeable battery detachably attached to abattery receiving part in electrical communication with the motor. 17.The ventilation apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the intakeports comprise: a first intake port that opens in an output-shaftdirection of the drive shaft; and a second intake port that opens in adirection that intersects the drive shaft.
 18. The ventilation apparatusaccording to claim 17, wherein: the motor comprises a main body, whichhas a stator and a rotor, and a drive shaft; the fan comprises bladesmounted on the drive shaft; and the main body is shorter than the bladesin the output-shaft direction of the drive shaft.
 19. The ventilationapparatus according to claim 18, further comprising: a temperaturesensor; a temperature-information-based control part configured tocontrol the rotational speed of the motor based on temperatureinformation from the temperature sensor; a receiver configured toreceive biological information of a user sent by a mobile computer; anda biological-information-based control part configured to control therotational speed of the motor based on the biological information fromthe receiver.
 20. A work jacket comprising: an exterior shell having aventilation apparatus opening; an interior shell connected to theexterior shell, an internal space being defined by the exterior shelland interior shell; and the ventilation apparatus according to claim 19mounted on the exterior shell such that the housing extends through theventilation apparatus opening and the exhaust ports are disposed withinthe internal space.